What is Slacklash?
1.
SLACKLASH
Function: noun
Date: 2003
1: Generation X's strong adverse reaction to being stereotyped as slackers
2: The phenomenon of 1990's Gen X slackers becoming the new centuries focused and highly successful young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Example 1: A group of twenty-somethings were sitting in a coffee shop in the late 1990's when one of them brought up the subject of Generation X's stereotypes. An intense slacklash ensued, bringing to the surface feelings of extreme anger and contempt. After all, each person at the table was a.) in college actively seeking a degree b.) had tried drugs but did not do them with any frequency c.) cared deeply about the political climate and d.) none of them owned a video game console.
Example 2: In the 1990's, Gen X'ers were typecast as cynical, apathetic, drug-using slackers. They were supposed to "enter a dismal economy with low-wage/low-benefit jobs." In what many are calling a slacklash, the new millenium is witnessing a multitude of hardworking, focused, successful, and upwardly mobile Gen X'ers. Business journals have even called Gen X "The Entrepreneurial Generation." They've kicked the drugs, ditched grunge, put down the joystick, and started to realize their potential. Take that Baby Boomers!
